Baseball bat torch at CARAA 2026 Opening sparks criticism from athletes, coaches

Benguet, Philippines – As the 2026 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet commenced, a ceremonial moment intended to symbolize unity and sportsmanship instead sparked widespread criticism from members of the local sports community and various spectators.

For this year’s edition, Benguet once again hosted the region-wide event, scheduled from February 22 to 27. During the opening program, a baseball bat was used as a ceremonial torch, drawing mixed reactions from athletes, coaches, and spectators.

Several coaches pointed out that baseball and softball teams across the region continue to struggle with limited access to proper equipment.

Traditionally, a ceremonial torch in sports is a symbolic flame used to mark the formal opening of major athletic competitions. It is typically carried in a relay that culminates in the lighting of a cauldron during the opening ceremony of the games.

The controversy and ensuing discussion

A concerned citizen raised the issue online, sharing a screenshot of another individual’s statement highlighting how shortages of essential equipment have long hindered student-athletes’ training and development.

“Quite insulting to see a baseball bat being used as a ceremonial torch, knowing our local athletes are suffering from a lack of sports equipment, severely hampering skills development, reducing motivation, and forcing the use of substandard, makeshift materials for the love of sports—particularly for batted balls. Tapos makakita ti kasta? Madi ngay maka kamata nga kitan, promise!” the post read.

Others raised environmental concerns, noting that burning rubber or plastic components attached to sports equipment may not align with sustainability efforts often promoted during large public events.

“Congratulations CARAA 2026… ‘NGEM’… apay ngay nga kastoy tayon tatta… WHY baseball bat? Baka next year badminton racket met… Not environmentally friendly burning rubber/plastic in front of various athletes,” another netizen shared.

“Palalo met, sir. Para kanyak, medyo disrespectful ken insulting iti sport nga baseball/softball nga usaren da ti bat as ceremonial torch. Adu nga players ti agkasapulan iti equipment, lalo kuma no maawatan ti halaga na iti game. Adu met ti mabalin nga recyclable materials nga usaren para iti ceremonial purpose, haan kuma nga sport equipment nga mausar pay koma dagiti atleta,” a commenter added.